A nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions and farmer groups on February 12, 2026, is expected to disrupt banking services across India. While banks will remain open, major unions have announced strikes, leading to possible delays in transactions and limited customer service availability.
Banking Operations
Banks such as State Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Bank of Baroda have issued alerts to customers about potential disruptions. Services like cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and branch operations may be affected, though online banking and ATMs are expected to function normally.
Reason For The Strike
The Bharat Bandh has been organized by 10 central trade unions along with farmer organizations to protest against new labour codes and economic policies. The strike is expected to see participation from over 30 crore workers nationwide, impacting transport, markets, and government services in addition to banking.
Key Highlights
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Banks remain open but services may be disrupted
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Major unions participating in nationwide strike
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ATMs and online banking expected to function normally
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Strike backed by trade unions and farmer groups
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Impact varies across states depending on participation levels
Conclusion
While banks will not officially close during the Bharat Bandh, customers should anticipate delays and limited services at branches. Planning transactions in advance and relying on digital banking options may help minimize inconvenience during the strike.
Sources: Economic Times, Business Standard, Zee News [The Economic Times]